Trip Overview

The jewel-like islands of Raja Ampat are caressed by a convergence of swift nutrient-rich currents. Here the pulse of marine life thrives from the sea floor to the surface where the kaleidoscope of corals can start in less than a meter of water.

There are sites that are so pristine and packed with growth, that a photographer is hard-pressed to find a spot to place a steadying finger. Exotic sea life and macro critters abound of course, and photo opportunities border on overwhelming. But at the end of the day, the most memorable moments for us are what can rarely be captured in digital format: the incredible experience of drifting along miles of exquisite reef brimming with hues and activity, the likes of which few have ever experienced.

Damai I has been specifically designed for cruising and diving in the tropical waters of Indonesia, with passenger well-being always the top priority. Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, the DIVE DAMAI fleet sets a new standard for safety as well as comfort, service and passenger amenities.

Of course, even the best ship is only as good as her crew, and this is another area where DIVE DAMAI shines. Every trip is managed by a highly qualified and experienced western cruise director, complimented by an ever-helpful Indonesian crew, all of whom are dedicated to making your diving holiday the trip of a lifetime.

Marine Life to Photograph

Raja Ampat has one of the highest numbers of fish species of anywhere on the planet. Here are just a few examples of marine life you're likely to see: wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and a good variety of nudibranchs.

If you look a little deeper when the current picks up, you can see reef sharks at most sites, especially at places like Blue Magic and Sardines. These are also prime locations for schooling fish, which tend to gather when the current is running. At such times, it’s not unusual to be surrounded by clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in mid-water, while legions of sweetlips completely obscure large coral heads below.

EXCLUSIONS

Airfare to and from Sorong. We can work with the Damai concierge team to assist in arranging your travel within Indonesia.

Gratuity

Daily Photo Workshops

Workshops will be given daily on topics such as wide-angle underwater photography, ambient light shots, snorkeling with large animals, strobe exposure, and positions, avoiding backscatter and composition.

Trip Schedule

Departing from Sorong, Papua, the Damai I liveaboard will make the first stop at the eastern end of the Dampier Straits for a check-out dive. We will spend the following day here diving iconic sites like Cape Kri, Blue Magic and Mioskon enjoying the schooling fish, cruising sharks and maybe rays and pygmy seahorses. We will head west to Gam where there are beautiful orange softcorals at Citrus Ridge and fish action at Mayhem before exploring the wonders found under Arborek Jetty. We will head west to Penemu for some world class coral reefs and the photo opportunity of the lagoon from the top of the viewpoint. Moving south to the colourful softcoral-covered reefs around the island of Misool, we can enjoy the pinnacles at Wayilbatan and Fiabacet or a nice drift along the channel at Neptune Fan Sea.

The final cruise day will explore the caves at Farondi with another opportunity for a lagoon tour on the tenders. Our Raja Ampat liveaboard cruise will end in Sorong where guests can enjoy complimentary airport transfer.

About Damai I Vessel

The vessel has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing in both the sun or shade and for enjoying relaxing massage and spa treatments. Specifically designed for divers, the vessel offers large dive stations with individual rinse tanks and a camera room with separate camera workstations with integrated 110v and 220v charging station for each photographer.